The greening of Dubai continues as the first of six new parks in Dubai was opened on Sunday by Dubai Municipality to mark The Plantation Week March 12-16 across the UAE.

Constructed at a cost of Dh22 million, the 27.1-hectare Al Warqa-3 Park was declared officially open by Dr Thani Bin Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, flanked by Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

The opening was held under the theme of “Let’s plant a greener emirate together”.

As part of the activities of Plantation Week and the 2017 Year of Giving initiative, Dubai Municipality will also distribute more than 500,000 flower plants and 50,000 saplings to the public and visitors to the different parks in Dubai, said the municipality in a statement on Sunday.

Other parks to open later this week include Nadd Al Sheba-2 Park, Al Khawaneej Pond Park, Al Mizhar-2 Park, Hatta Valley Park as well as the Hatta Community Facility.

“This year’s Plantation Week celebrations coincide with the implementation of the directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the Year of Giving 2017. It is also in line with the directives of the wise leadership on preserving the environment, protecting plants and creating awareness among members of the community on the importance of the sustainability of vegetation, thereby contributing to the great efforts made by the UAE in the preservation of the natural environment,” said Al Zeyoudi.

Lootah said the city of Dubai is making many green spaces to keep pace with urban expansion and development.

“Dubai Municipality plays a vital role in providing great natural outlets, parks and resorts and in beautifying the streets of the city. We are keen to provide multiple alternatives and options for the population, frequenting parks and resorts, matching the latest international systems and standards for services on an ongoing basis through the many vital projects in this area,” Lootah said.

Al Warqa Park-3

The park boasts many recreational, sports and service facilities, including:

• 3.5km-long running track

• 3.55km-long cycle track

• 3.5km-long sandy track, two football fields planted with natural grass, basketball and tennis courts

• 24 date palm trees

• 177 decorative palm trees

• 2,416 other decorative trees

• 120 ornamental shrubs

• 5,134 metres of plant walls

• 43,264 metres of soil covering

• 7,758 flowers

source : gulfnews